Weaned Hawaiian monk seal moved to undisclosed location

August 13, 2017

FILE - This Thursday, June 29, 2017 file photo shows a Hawaiian monk seal and her newborn pup on a Waikiki beach in Honolulu. The pup, which has been named Kaimana, has been left by his mother. That has led officials to believe the pup was weaned and could be relocated in a few days. State Department of Land and Natural Resources Dan Dennison says the mother's departure may mean the pup is weaned "but it's too soon to know for sure." (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy, File)

HONOLULU — A Hawaiian monk seal pup born on a Waikiki beach has been moved so that it can remain a wild animal and won’t become accustomed to interacting with people.The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources says the female pup weaned from its mother Friday. The pup was moved to an undisclosed location on Saturday after scientists were sure that the mother had left.The seal’s mother gave birth in late June. It was the first seal born in Waikiki, one of the world’s most famous tourist beaches, since record-keeping began a few decades ago.The pup is affectionately called Kaimana after the beach where it was born.Hawaiian monk seals are a critically endangered species. There are only 1,400 remaining in the wild.